Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the death of Ogene musician Chikezie Nwamba known as Igbo-Jah.
Enugu State Police Command, in a statement on Monday, said the inspector was found culpable after an orderly room trial and will now face court prosecution.
The statement reads, “The Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, involved in the murder of Ogene musician Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded.
“The Inspector, found culpable in the incident, has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and is now facing court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 13, which includes Anambra and Enugu States, approved the recommendation to dismiss and prosecute him.”
According to the statement, Joseph was arraigned on Monday at Enugu East Magistrate Court, charged with murder.
The chief magistrate ordered his remand at the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre, with the case file transmitted to the attorney general of Enugu for further judicial action. The next court date is set for November 12, 2024.
Enugu commissioner of police Kanayo Uzuegbu expressed his condolences to Igbo-Jah’s family, friends, and fans, thanking the government and the public for their support.
He reiterated that the NPF remains a disciplined organisation and assured that under his leadership, the Enugu Command will continue to hold officers accountable for any misconduct.
On Friday, October 25 at around 8:10 p.m. as Igbo-Jah was leaving the tactical squad’s headquarters after a friendly visit, Joseph was said to have shot him for reasons yet unknown.
The Ogene musician was declared dead by doctors.
